Heavyweights ease through opening matches

South Africa and Argentina strolled through their first games at the Wellington rugby sevens tournament today while favourites England recovered from a stuttering start to post their first win.

In the opening round of matches Argentina walloped Tonga 41-0, while in the other pool D match Australia looked unconvincing in beating the Cook Islands 28-12.

South Africa took opening honours in pool C, beating Scotland 31-7 with France downing a plucky Japanese side 21-12.

England were stung early in their opening pool A game when Canada scored an early try at Westpac Stadium.

England had to wait five minutes for their reply, and added a second try shortly afterwards to take a 14-5 halftime lead.

Three second half tries from England closed out the match 31-5.

South Africa were rarely troubled breaking out to 12-0 at halftime. They added three further tries as Scotland failed to cope with the pacey South African backs.

Samoa dispatched Niue 28-12 in the other pool A match while tournament favourites New Zealand opened their campaign beating Kenya 41-7 in pool B with Roy Kinikinilau scoring four tries.

A casual looking Fijian side conceded tries to the United States in the opening seconds of both halves in the other pool B game, but eventually won 24-14, with captain Marika Vunibaka dotting down twice.

- NZPA